If your insurance claim was denied or closed before you were fully paid, it might feel like the end—but it’s not. In many cases, closed claims can be reopened, especially when something was missed or misunderstood.

Insurance companies don’t always get it right. Policies are complex, and insurance adjusters can make mistakes. If your claim was mishandled, you have the right to ask for a second look—and that could mean a revised decision or additional payment.

Public adjusters like IRPA work for you, not the insurance company. We help identify errors, revisit closed claims, and push for fair outcomes.

Still wondering, “Is there anything I can do?” The answer is yes—and it’s often worth exploring.

Real Story: Denied Fire Claim Reversed by IRPA

When a group of Ohio rental property owners faced fire damage at a tenant-occupied building, they did what most people would do—they filed a claim. But instead of help, they got a flat denial. The insurance company blamed the fire on two things: an overloaded extension cord and the tenants’ lack of upkeep, calling it “wear and tear.” Based on that, they closed the claim and told the owners to sue their tenants.

Most people would have stopped there. Thankfully, these property owners contacted Indemnity Resolution Public Adjusters (IRPA).

Here’s how the story unfolded:

 

What the Insurance Adjuster Said What IRPA Found
Fire was caused by tenant misuse Policy didn’t exclude accidental fire from coverage
Policy didn’t exclude accidental fire from coverage The exclusion cited didn’t apply to this scenario
Claim is denied and closed Denial was based on misinterpretation of the policy
“Sue your tenants instead” IRPA got the claim reopened and paid in full

IRPA carefully reviewed the denial letter, listened to a recorded phone call between the adjuster and policyholders, and dissected the policy’s language. It turned out that the section the insurer relied on didn’t actually apply to the situation. Armed with this analysis, IRPA challenged the denial.

Result?

  1. The insurance company rescinded the denial.
  2. The claim was reopened.
  3. And the policyholders were paid in full—up to their policy limits.

This case proves it’s not too late to fight for what you’re owed—even if the claim is already closed.

Why Insurance Claims Get Denied (and Why That’s Not Always the End)

Insurance denials can feel final, but they’re not always correct—and they’re not always permanent. Claims can be denied for all kinds of reasons, but many of them come down to misinterpretation, missing documentation, or vague policy language.

Here are some common reasons insurance companies deny claims:

  • Policy Exclusions: They might say your situation falls under “wear and tear,” “negligence,” or “maintenance issues”—even if it doesn’t.
  • Incomplete Information: Missing photos, forms, or delayed reporting can be used as justification to close your claim.
  • Causation Disputes: They may argue the cause of the damage doesn’t qualify—like saying fire damage was due to tenant behavior instead of a covered event.
  • Ambiguous Wording: Insurance policies are packed with dense legal language. Even adjusters sometimes get it wrong.

But here’s the key: denial doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If something feels off or you believe you were unfairly denied, a public adjuster can reopen the case, request a second review, and often uncover valid reasons for coverage that were overlooked.

How IRPA Can Help Reopen Your Insurance Claim

If your claim was denied or closed too soon, IRPA can step in and re-examine everything—your policy, the denial letter, and the details of your loss. We know what to look for, how to challenge unfair decisions, and how to communicate directly with your insurer to get things moving again.

Our goal is simple: make sure your claim gets the attention it deserves. We help clarify what your policy really covers and work to get you a fair outcome—without adding stress or confusion to the process.

What to Do If Your Claim Was Denied or Closed Too Soon

If your insurance claim has been denied, underpaid, or closed before you feel it was fairly resolved, don’t panic—and don’t assume it’s too late to act.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Gather your paperwork. Find your policy, denial letter, photos, receipts, and any notes from conversations with your adjuster.
  • Look for inconsistencies. Does the denial make sense based on your policy? Were you told something different verbally than what’s in writing?
  • Don’t try to navigate it alone. Insurance policies are contracts, and misinterpretations are common. A public adjuster can spot details others miss.
  • Contact IRPA. We’ll review your case at no cost, explain your options, and let you know if reopening the claim is possible.

Even if you’re weeks or months past the denial, you may still have time—and a strong case. The earlier you reach out, the sooner we can help you move forward.